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Rhinoplasty Nose Surgery – Correcting a Deviated Septum

Rhinoplasty plastic surgery can help correct the commonly occurring problem of a deviated septum. The surgeon will evaluate the nature and extent of the deviated septum prior to developing an individualized surgical plan to correct it.

What is Septum Deviation?

The septum divides the nasal cavity into two narrow passageways starting at the upper nasal region where it connects to the nostrils. The septum comprises various bone and cartilage sections.

The lower part of the septum sits on the anterior nasal spine. This is a supportive bone and can be felt in the area where the nose joins to the upper lip.

Septum deviation refers to the shifting or development of the septum to one side of the nasal cavity instead of dividing it into two identical passageways. The septum either bends outward in the shape of a bow creating a C-shape or bend to one side creating an S-shape.

The surgeon will reshape either the bony upper part of the septum located on the top of the nose or the cartilaginous lower portion of the nose.

Sometimes the septum may move off the anterior spine. This condition is called a caudal septal deviation. In such cases, the surgeon will realign the base of the septum to the anterior nasal spine.

A deviated septum may be present from birth in some people while others may develop it due to a traumatic injury. This condition can obstruct breathing and cause recurring nosebleeds and facial pain. Rhinoplasty cosmetic surgery is a proven technique to correct the septal deviation.

Septoplasty Procedure

The time taken to complete a septoplasty procedure is usually between 30 and 90 minutes. The complexity of the procedure will determine the time taken for the surgery. The surgeon and patient can decide in advance whether the septoplasty will be performed under general or local anesthesia.

The surgeon usually commences the procedure by placing an incision in one area on the nose to access the septum. Subsequently, they will ease the deviated septum to its correct position. They will remove impediments such as undesirable bone pieces and cartilage. After that, the surgeon will reposition the mucous membrane.

The patient may need sutures to help the septum and membrane remain in position. Sometimes, packing the nose with cotton is all it takes to ensure that the septum and membrane remain in place.

Recovery

The surgeon will undertake the septoplasty as an outpatient procedure unless a significant complication occurs. This means that the patient can go back home on the day of the surgery itself. The nose will be inflamed, painful, and stuffed with cotton to prevent bleeding. In the next one or two days after the surgery, the surgeon will remove the packing.

Facial plastic and reconstructive surgeonDr. Eric Yavrouian receives patients from Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Greater Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, CA, and nearby areas for rhinoplastycosmetic surgery. For more information about treatments and procedures by Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Dr. Eric J. Yavrouian, serving patients in and around Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank and the Greater Los Angeles, CA area call 818-241-2150 or click here to contact him for a consultation.